Whether you’re making resolutions for the future or reflecting on all the good things that happened in the last 12 months, the start of a new year always feels special. And while New Year's Eve brings feelings of hope and reinvigorated inspiration, New Year’s Day is best spent cuddling up on the couch with a lineup of your favorite flicks.
At Bethesda Gardens Arlington assisted living community, we aim to provide an intimate, close-knit community that feels just like home. So if you’re looking to host a New Year’s Day movie marathon with your fellow community members, here are the top movies to kick off the new year.
Following the death of his wife, Sam Baldwin and his young son Jonah move to Seattle. When Sam shares his story of grief and loss on the radio, hundreds of women write to him, hoping to capture his heart. One letter from a woman named Annie grabs the attention of young Jonah, who’s committed to helping his dad find love again.
Sleepless In Seattle takes place over a handful of holidays, including Christmas, Valentine's Day and of course, New Year’s Eve. Starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, this 1993 film offers everything you could want from a romantic drama — there’s grief, father/son bonding, broken engagements and epic romance. If you’re someone who believes in destiny, this movie will surely tug at your heartstrings.
From Broadway to the big screen, Rent is an award-winning rock opera following a group of young New York artists struggling to pay their rent. The movie takes place over the course of one year and is a good reminder of just how much can change in 12 months. The movie touches on topics including love, acceptance, AIDS and loss. Rent will have you laughing, crying and singing along to all the big musical numbers.
If you’re looking to enter your new year with a new mindset, Rent is the perfect movie to show you life is too short and too precious to live in the past.
Liz Gilbert has lived her life by the book. She has everything she thought she wanted — a husband, a career and a home. But she still feels lost in the world. Following her divorce, Gilbert is determined to change the course of her life. The movie follows her as she travels to Italy, India and Bali, where she learns some of the most valuable lessons about loving yourself.
If you’re hoping to start a journey of self-acceptance and discovery this New Year’s, then Eat, Pray, Love might be just the inspirational film you need to get going. Starring Julia Roberts as Liz Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love reminds us to always be curious about the world, take risks and put ourselves in charge of our own happiness.
When billionaire Edward Cole and mechanic Carter Chambers find themselves sharing a hospital room, it’s clear the only thing they have in common is their terminal diagnosis. Despite their differences, the pair decide to embark on a journey to experience everything left on their bucket lists.
Although The Bucket List doesn’t take place during New Year’s Eve, it’s an excellent film if you’re looking to feel inspired or to enjoy a hearty laugh. Starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, this award-winning adventure comedy will remind you to appreciate life's little moments.
On a cold New Year’s Eve night in London, four people going through hard times meet unexpectedly when they all show up on the same rooftop, looking to jump. Instead of ending their lives, however, the four make a pact to stay alive until Valentine's Day. Naturally, the movie has ups and downs but ultimately has a happy ending.
Starring Pierce Brosnan, Toni Collette, Imogen Poots and Aaron Paul, this comedic drama is a great reminder of how important friendships and chosen family can be.
At one point or another, you’ve probably wished you could go back in time to change something about your life. If that’s the case, this movie is an ideal choice for you. Following the life of Tim Lake, who comes from a family of time-traveling men, About Time is filled with lessons on love and life. It serves as a great reminder that you can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you deal with it.
Starring Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson, About Time is gripping and relatable and centers around a New Year’s Eve party.
Watching old New Year’s related movies is an easy way for you to embrace nostalgia and keep yourself from getting bored this holiday season. So grab your comfiest blankets and a healthy snack and get ready for an inspiring movie marathon.
